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UN oversight unit recommends measures to modernize UN Headquarters

UN oversight unit recommends measures to modernize UN Headquarters

Officials from the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) have issued a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring that the Organization's buildings in New York are kept structurally sound and its equipment well-maintained.

In a report to the General Assembly released today, the JIU recommends that the Secretary-General study the feasibility of establishing a building/real estate fund to cover the costs of major repairs, renovation, upgrading and replacement of equipment. The fund could be financed through a mixture of sources, including annual contributions, budgetary surpluses and rental income.

According to the report, the inspectors "believe that this is a viable long-term option which ensures the financial basis for preventive building management."

The inspectors also recommend that the UN "take measures aimed at full compliances of its buildings with the local building codes, with a view to ensuring safety, security and a sound working environment in the United Nations Headquarters."